Given the presence of world class manager Rafa Benitez in the United dug-out is incredible to think that McClaren was the man in charge of Newcastle a year ago, when they were on the fast-track to relegation under a boss ill-equipped for the huge task that faced him.

McClaren had a few moments at St James’ Park but in hindsight, the only thing remarkable about his time at Newcastle was that he lasted as long as he did.

Unsurprisingly given his failure, he has struggled to find a job at the level he believes is appropriate. He applied for the Rotherham job but was overlooked and was last seen looking to get into running a football club rather than just managing it – by enrolling on a degree course in Directorship.

That may be a short-lived endeavour if a report in today’s Sun is correct. Veteran correspondent Alan Nixon claims that QPR are looking to bring McClaren in to play a senior off-field role – sort of a director of football position – alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who has overseen three straight defeats at Loftus Road.

It claims: “McClaren is out of work since a disastrous spell at Newcastle United but Rangers think he could turn their campaign round.

“The plan is to bring McClaren in to work in a senior position with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who has found the step up to the Championship difficult.

“McClaren is a friend of Hasselbaink and would take the post with his approval. The pair have been close since Middlesbrough days.”